I was finally beginning to come around from my nice little sleep-in, and while my eyes refused to open my ears did not. I began to hear several faint voices and didn't think much of it until I realized I was only half asleep and certainly not dreaming anymore. At that thought I jolted awake and sat up on the couch. I was immediately met by six sets of quizzical, startled stares, and one frightened squeak. There before me stood the six ponies I knew all too well. The Mane Six. They were every bit as incredible in real life as the princesses, and my heart fluttered at the sight of them. Maybe they felt the same about me, I don't know, but I didn't realize we were still just staring at each other awkwardly, until Princess Twilight Sparkle approached me cautiously.

"Hello. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle. This is Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and hiding behind her is Fluttershy. You must be Archangel, right?", she queried timidly, while the rest gave a sheepish wave.

I hopped off the couch and gave a slight bow out of respect for her new title. "Yes your Highness I am, and it's a pleasure to meet you all. I've, heard a lot about you."

"Oh please, that's not necessary, just Twilight is fine. I'm assuming Princess Celestia informed you a little about us. We've also received a rather large amount of information about you in a letter from her, and we came back as soon as we read it. Lyra told us you were here while she was out this morning. I understand you are in training and require some help with your abilities correct?", she asked with a hint of interest.

"Pardon me darling, but there was also a little side note from Princess Luna about getting you some new clothes. Paid for by her Highness herself too.", Rarity piped in.

A pink blur shot up to me and began to prance around me. "Ooh hey! Does this mean we can have a super duper power training new clothes welcome to Ponyville party?!?!", a very excited Pinkie exclaimed, catching her breath.

"Uh-", I started.

"Hold on just one minute everypony! We don't really even know him yet, he could be dangerous or evil!", Rainbow Dash yelled, flying up between me and Pinkie, and staring me down aggressively.

"Hey, but I-", I tried again.

"Now you just take it easy there Rainbow, that ain't no way to treat a newcomer!", Applejack growled as she bit down on Rainbow's tail and brought her back to the floor.

Sheesh! I was beginning to feel pony overload in a matter of seconds, but I guess I could have imagined this from what I've seen of them before. Fluttershy however, was of course still not involving herself in the escalating moment.

Twilight rolled her eyes and let out a loud groan. "Everypony quiet! You were about to say something Archangel?"

I just shook my head and laughed at their behavior for a second, then began. "I was just going to say that, yes I do need help with my abilities, a lot of it in fact. I really do need some realistic clothing. And I especially mean none of you any harm, that I can promise. Also, parties are always good.", I said glancing a smile at Pinkie.

"Well we are all here to help, all of us.", Twilight said glaring at Rainbow.

"Yeah. Yeah. I'm still keeping an eye on you Archy.", Rainbow said sounding partially defeated.

"Thank you Twilight.", I replied.

With things now a little more settled down finally, Fluttershy , to my surprise, slowly walked up to me and looked me in the eyes. "Um, excuse me, why exactly are you here Archangel?", she asked in her soft little tone.

My god she was adorable. I knelt down to her level and met her face to face. I didn't want to overload her with details knowing her delicate manner, so I kept it simple. "I've been told that there's a lot of bad things happening here and more to come. Someone very powerful and I care very much about you all and want nothing more than to help you. That's what I'm here to do.", I said shooting an irritated glance at Rainbow as well.

"Well I'm glad to hear it, the last thing anypony needs around here is another big meany stomping around causing chaos.", Fluttershy replied with a little more confidence in her voice.

Twilight then perked up. "Speaking of chaos, we also heard about what happened yesterday morning. Do you have any idea what that may have been or who had anything to do with it?"

"Oh that bullshit, no, I have no idea about that particularly.", I said, leaning in a little closer to her ear and whispering, "However I do have a lot to tell you, and maybe only you should know it until we can formulate an effective action plan. Is there somewhere we can discuss things privately, just you and I?"

Twilight cocked her head to the side for a moment with a puzzled expression. A second later the light bulb came on.

"Oh. Okay, yes...I've got an idea, and a better place.", she whispered back, "Hey Pinkie, you know what? That party sounds like a great idea, but lets have it at my place, tonight. Think you can handle that?", Twilight asked, confident in her question.

I thought Pinkie was gonna pop from excitement. "Are you serious?! I'll have it done lickedy split, and it'll be the best power training new clothes welcome to Ponyville party ever!", she squealed, sprinting out of the house at unreal speeds.

"The party?!", I silently mouthed and frantically gestured back at Twilight, while the rest were momentarily distracted by Pinkie's mach speed exit. I was a little confused by her sudden, odd decision. It wasn't my first guess for privacy, that's for sure.

She calmly waved her hoof, and whispered, "Just trust me."

Rarity then stepped up, clearing her throat. "Speaking of those new clothes again. While that blanket is nice, it most certainly does not suit your, figure. It simply must be replaced! I would need to take few quick measurements and notes though, if you'll allow me to."

"Of course, take what you need and thank you, you have no idea how much of an, issue, this has been.", I happily said recalling my embarrassing circumstances.

"Oh it's really my pleasure dear. I always do enjoy a new fashion challenge. Now hold still please, this will only take a moment.", she said cheerfully as she hovered all manner of measuring tapes and marking instruments around my half covered body. It did indeed only take her a moment. "Alright that should do it then. One last detail though, I'm thinking one dominate color and an accent color. What colors would you prefer? And trust me I have them all."

It really didn't matter what color it was, it could be hot pink for all I cared, at least it would be actual clothing, but I gave it some thought anyway. I do feel like I'm an angel or something, considering the name, so mostly white feels appropriate. And I hold evil below and lessor to me, so smaller black accents could symbolize that. "Mostly white with black accents would be nice.", I replied.

"Very neutral choice, but white is a very nice, pure and flawless look. I find the black a bit odd, but I can certainly envision it and furthermore create it. I will work hard on it today after the party and most likely have it finished and perfected by tomorrow morning. But for now, I'll be off to pick up a few materials for the job, I'll meet you all at the library a little later.", Rarity concluded with the usual flair in her voice as she trotted off.

"Great! So it's settled then, your new outfit is in the makings, and we have a party to get to now. Lets head over to the library everyone.", Twilight suggested to the rest of us still in the room.

"Already? That was, fast.", I said surprised.

Applejack chuckled at my surprise. "That's Pinkie Pie for ya, and knowin' her, it was probably ready a minute ago. Which is good 'cause I'm starving."

I then remembered my stomach and felt all too human again when I realized how long it had been since I last ate. I wondered if I even really needed food to survive anymore, but either way it would sure be nice to have.

The mares began to head out the door starting with Rainbow Dash, who still seemed pretty frustrated. As we started walking through town, I noticed ponies were now actually smiling and waving at us all, maybe not so much me but I'll take what I can get for now. I kept watching Rainbow though, who was hovering just above and ahead. I almost felt bad, but then again her reaction was predictable, and I can't really say I blame her either. I truly am a stranger right now, for now.

I was taken from my thoughts by surprise when she suddenly stopped and shook her head, let out a deep sigh, and fluttered back to me.

"Hey. Archy, now don't think I'm going soft or anything here but, maybe we got off on the wrong hoof, or whatever those things you have are. Anyway, I just hope you really are here to be our friend and help us like you said. It's still going to take time for us, especially me, to build trust and friendship though.", Dash said in a serious but hopeful tone.

I smiled genuinely at her. "I fully understand Dash, and I respect your caution and honesty. I'm gonna do my best to prove myself day by day, any way I can. It is after all part of my training."

"You know Rainbow, being the element of honesty and all, I could have told you that there, and what he said back at the house was all the truth.", AJ spoke up.

"Yup. I know. I just wanted to give him a hard time.", Dash said with a sly grin and wink, right before blasting off down the street and around the corner.

AJ scoffed and shook her head, walking up by my side. "Good grief that pony, I'm tellin' you what. She'll deny it to the bitter end, but that little display just means she likes ya. And for the record Archangel, we all like the thought of having someone new around too, especially someone who wants to be our friend and help us like you do, with whatever we're up against."

"That's for sure.", Twilight said smiling.

"Mmm-Hmm.", Fluttershy agreed.

"Thank you girls, that really makes me feel a whole lot better about things here. I already have so many things to work out with myself and my responsibilities, that the last thing I wanted to worry about was messing anything up with the ponies that I hope will be my closest allies, and friends.", I shared, beginning to feel a good bond forming with them.

"Well you can scratch that one off your worry list there sugarcube. We all gotta work together when the goin' gets get rough, no matter what our differences may be at the time. And besides, your only difference is, well bein' different, and the last time I checked, that ain't no problem.", AJ assured me.

I smiled appreciatively at AJ's comment, and her common nickname. "Good to know AJ, thanks."

"Alright here we are.", Twilight informed us as we came around the last house on the bend.

There it was, the good ol' library, in all it's tree-like glory. It really was just a hollowed out tree, a damn big and fancy one though. There were all kinds of lights and muffled sounds coming from within as we approached.

"I guess Pinkie really did get things going already.", I reckoned, knowing, but still surprised by Pinkie's mysterious abilities.

Twilight chuckled as we reached the door. "Prepare yourself.", she warned playfully.

She then opened the door with her magic and we were met with bursts of confetti, loud bass-heavy music, and a huge welcome banner overhead. Quite a few of the townsponies were also attending the party, along with Rainbow Dash and a couple other recognizable ponies already enjoying the festivities at the back of the room. Everything was decorated to the maximum, and there was a huge, delicious looking cake sitting on the center pedestal.

"Holy crap.", was all I could get out before Pinkie practically appeared in front of me, bouncing up and down.

"Welcome to Ponyville Archangel!", she loudly announced inches from my damn face, and I'm assuming to the rest of the ponies in the room.

"Thanks Pinkie, this is quite the party you've put together so fast.", I said trying to recover my nerves and detour the awkwardness of her in my face.

Didn't work. She only smiled brighter and bounced closer. "Oh it's what I do best! If there was an element of partying I would be it, but laughter is just fine too. Hey do you wanna see what activities we have for the party?"

I looked at Twilight with a face that screamed save me, to which she thankfully caught onto and intervened.

"Umm hey Pinkie, before we get all started tonight, I actually should take Archangel and inform him about all of the rules and how things work around here. Since he's new to everything. You know, official princess business and all.", she coaxed.

Without hesitation Pinkie then threw up a goofy salute. "Oki doki loki! But don't keep him all day and night, there's a ton of fun to be had, and cake!"

As we were about to make our way to a more private place, a little purple and green dragon came running up to Twilight and was about to spout something off then froze when he noticed me towering over him. I just gave him an awkward smile.

Twilight chuckled at her little assistant's reaction to me and pointed a hoof towards me. "Spike, this is Archangel. He's a friend and new to Equestria. Archangel, this is my loyal assistant Spike."

"Nice to meet you Spike.", I greeted, squatting down with an outstretched hand towards the baby dragon.

He gave my hand a curious look for a second then smiled. "It's nice to meet you too, any friend of Twi's is a friend of mine. Also it's nice to see someone else with claws, or whatever, like mine for once."

"Was there something you wanted to tell me before Spike?", Twilight asked.

"Oh, I was just coming to tell you that Pinkie randomly burst into the house with half of the town and started a party!", he cried.

Twilight laughed and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Sorry Spike, it was my idea, and there was no time to tell you, especially by Pinkie's speeds. I have to go discuss some things with Archangel now, why don't you go enjoy the party awhile. I see pin the tail on the Manticore over there!"

"Ahh I love that game! See you guys later then!", he cheered as he ran off.

Twilight then nodded her head for me to follow her. We ascended a flight of stairs to the second level, which was also filled with many partying ponies I did and didn't recognize. We took one more set of stairs and went through a small doorway. We were now in her bedroom. I found that odd, but I pretty much knew I had nothing risque to worry about with her, unlike some other pony I know.

"Is this private enough Archangel?", she inquired as she shut the door.

I noticed that most of the party's noise was immediately cut off and we were definitely alone. "This will do just fine."

She then pulled up a chair and had me take a seat as she did the same. "So, what are these things we needed to discuss so privately?", she asked, her full attention now locked onto me.

I didn't really know where to begin. I had so much to say about so many things, but had to remember my ground rules too, even for her. I figured I better start with the most pressing issue that everyone has been seemingly overlooking.

"There are many things to discuss, as far as me and my training, who I am and all that, but first and foremost we need to address this looming threat in Equestria. Maybe you heard me say to Fluttershy the thing about me and someone very powerful caring about you and helping you?", I questioned.

"Yes I remember.", she replied, waiting for more.

I thought again on how I was going to explain myself and my duties without dumping all of the unnecessary details Celestia said to leave out.

"Okay, well I was told by said supernatural being that an incredibly evil threat was coming to Equestria, that there would be a great war, and that through my will, I could be the end of it. Skipping the short and sweet of things, here I am now commissioned by this being to fight for your race, with a gift of great power I can't seem to control and an unknown amount of time until things get really bad around here.", I explained anxiously.

Twilight placed a hoof on her chin, in deep thought for a moment, then quickly came back to reality. "I see. You also said something about an action plan right?"

"Yes! The word war was used. Now considering that, I don't think just little ol' me is going to be enough to make a total stand against our enemy. Especially in my uncertain condition, and even if I was at full potential, I just simply can't be everywhere at once. What I'm trying say is, we are going to need an army, ponies will have to fight...and there will most likely be losses.", I said hanging my head to the all too realistic truth of war.

Twilight seemed utterly distraught by this new and foreign thought, but quickly gained a look of seriousness in her eyes. "These ponies know nothing about war, I don't either beyond what I've read in books, what do you suggest we do?"

"We need to convince Princess Celestia to make preparations and defenses, because for some reason she hasn't yet. She claims she has but what she has informed me of doesn't sound like it's gonna be enough. Perhaps because she does not know the possible severity of this threat. She needs to consider things such as a warfare training camp for any pony who will fight. Also, reaching out to the Griffin kingdoms and anyone else for support should be attempted. We really need to do anything we can do right away, we need to militarize Equestria. War is coming Twilight, and it won't wait for us.", I cautioned.

"This is all so much to take in right now. I knew some strange and bad things were happening here and there, but I had no idea it was the beginnings of something like this. How could we be so blind? Alright, have to stay calm. I will write a letter to Celestia right this instant telling her what you just suggested. But in the meantime, you should go enjoy your party while you can. It is just for you after all, and it would keep things on the calm side for a little longer. Just please keep these thoughts and words in this room so nopony gets worked up. I want them to continue enjoying life as long as they can until they absolutely must know everything.", she said as she found her paper and quill.

I got up and walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner. "My lips are sealed. Be strong Twilight, we will get through this any way we have to, I promise. However, forget the letter, I feel that we need to approach Celestia about this matter in person. No greater point needs to be made than this. But for tonight, it is indeed a good idea to keep things calm as they are, I guess I'll go see what activities Pinkie had in mind exactly."

She just gave me an approving nod and smile, but fear was still ever so prevalent in her expression. I then left her room and began down the stairs. Along the way I was thinking about the promise I just made to her. I don't usually make promises like that, I don't like to, because in my mind and my past experiences with people, they're just made for breaking no matter how hard you try, and that's it. However, I personally knew I would be six feet under, for real, before breaking that one.

On a lighter note in my mind, I realized that things were seemingly good around here for now, and that if this was gonna be my heaven, I might as well get used to having some fun. What could that possibly hurt? So I took the next flight of stairs down to the party.

Author's Note

So, finally I'm back at it. The police academy was my main reason for being absent, but I graduate from it tomorrow. It's been too long since I've last wrote so let me know how I did, and any things you may like to see in this story. I know the mane six is an overplayed cliche, but a need be one, so I'm hoping to pop things off in the next chapter, 'Party Crashers'.